September 7, 09:31Getaway

Cape Town Observatory Holds Night Tours and Open Evenings in September

Residents of Cape Town looking for an alternative way to spend their evening can look up at the sky in September, as the South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF|SAAO) will open its historic facility for a series of night tours and open evenings.

Located at the Observatory on the grounds of the former Royal Observatory, NRF|SAAO combines astronomy with the history of one of the city's long-standing scientific institutions. The historic building of this site is recognized as a national heritage object.

Night tours offer visitors the opportunity to tour the observatory after dark while learning more about the history of astronomy in South Africa. The program includes visits to the Main Building, Visitor Centre, and Museum, as well as the historic McClain building.

Under favorable weather conditions, the evening may conclude with stargazing through telescopes set up for public viewing. Night tours are scheduled for September 8, 10, 15, 17, 19, 22, and 24, running from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

For those who prefer to combine astronomy with a science-oriented presentation, the observatory is also hosting Open Evenings on September 12 and 26. These evenings begin with a lecture on astronomy or a related scientific topic, followed by guided tours of the observatory's heritage sections. Guests can see the library, museum, and the historic McClain telescope, and if the weather is good, stargazing will be offered through mobile telescopes.

Currently, Open Evenings are held at the observatory on the second and fourth Saturday of every month, making the September dates part of its regular public program.

Important Notes for Visitors

Although the opportunity to view the telescope is a significant part of the experience, it is not guaranteed. SAAO notes that stargazing depends on weather conditions; if conditions do not allow for telescope use, the planned astronomy and heritage events will still take place.

Visitors should also be prepared for an evening that requires moving between different locations. The observatory recommends wearing closed shoes and warm clothing, and advises bringing rain protection in case of expected rain.

Advance booking is essential as space is limited. SAAO also indicates that the tour fees support the observatory's education, public outreach, and socio-economic development programs.

Thus, September offers Cape Town residents several opportunities to visit the observatory after dark to replace ordinary evening plans with something focused on science, history, and the night sky.

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iol.co.zaSeptember 3, 07:00

Cape Town Events Schedule for September 2026: Comedy, Concerts, Theatre, and Other Happenings

Cape Town is preparing for a packed September 2026, offering city residents a diverse entertainment program that includes comedy performances, live music, theatrical productions, literary events, and boxing.

City dwellers can choose an event to suit their taste, whether it's a major evening outing, a concert, or a family activity.

Fight Island 6: 3 Crowns Boxing Tournament

The professional boxing tournament 'Fight Island 6: 3 Crowns' will take place at Makers Landing and V&A Waterfront. The program features 10 bouts with fighters from various regions of South Africa.

The event includes both championship fights and regional matchups across different weight classes, such as ten-round fights between Kaya Mlata and Hassan Milanzi, as well as Josh Feldman and Emile Brits. The fight will be held on Saturday, September 5th, from 17:00 to 23:50 at Makers Landing, located at 5 S Arm Road in Cape Town. Ticket prices start from R270 for standing room and R550 for seating.

Open Book Festival

The 'Open Book Festival' will once again take place at the Homecoming Centre for three days, offering listeners discussions, author meetings, storytelling, and literary events. The 2026 program focuses on African stories and covers a wide range of genres and themes.

Furthermore, the festival will include culinary events featuring authors such as Onezwa Mbola, Karen Dudley, Fehmz, and Jane Nshuti, as well as a market supporting local creators and entrepreneurs. The events will run from September 4th to 6th, with varying times, and entry to each event costs from R50.

Theatrical Production 'Mamma Mia!'

The South African version of the musical 'Mamma Mia!' will present the music of the group ABBA on the stage of the Artscape Theatre Centre. The production features local cast, crew, and a musical band. Amra-Fay Wright will play the role of Donna Sheridan. Songs featured in the show include 'Dancing Queen', 'Knowing Me, Knowing You', and 'Voulez Vous'. The performance runs from September 3rd to October 11th, on Tuesdays through Fridays at 19:30, with daytime shows also held on weekends. Tickets are available in the range of R280 to R580 at Artscape Theatre Centre, Opera House, D.F. Malan Street, Foreshore.

In parallel, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra will return to Cape Town City Hall for a series of spring symphonies. The orchestra will be accompanied by Russian conductor Daniel Ryksin and French pianist Liza de la Salle. The repertoire includes Rachmaninoff's 'Piano Concerto No. 3' and Shostakovich's Symphony No. 15. The concert will take place on Thursday, September 10th, at 19:30 in Cape Town City Hall, Darling Street, Cape Town City Centre. Ticket prices range from R210 to R495.

Hilton Schilder Live Quartet Performance

Cape Jazz musician Ghoema Hilton Schilder will perform a chamber quartet concert at Athletic Club & Social. He will be accompanied by Karin Thompson on violin, Clayton Norman Pretorius on bass, and Kurt Bowers on drums. The performance is scheduled for Friday, September 11th, from 21:00 to 23:00 at Athletic Club & Social, located at 35 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town City Centre. The ticket price is R200.

Kenny Lattimore R&B Singer Concert

Grammy nominee R&B singer Kenny Lattimore will return to Cape Town for a one-day performance. This will be his first major show in the city in over ten years. The singer is known for his catalog in R&B and soul genres, including songs like 'For You', 'Never Too Busy', and 'Forever'. The concert will take place on Sunday, September 20th; gates open at 17:00, and the show is scheduled to start at 20:00 at Grand Arena, GrandWest, 1 Jakes Gerwel Drive, Acacia Park, Goodwood. Tickets are available in the price range of R990 to R1,490.

Bafunny Bafunny Comedy Festival

Trevor Noah will head the debut 'Bafunny Bafunny: Festival of Comedy', gathering a team of renowned and rising South African comedians in Cape Town. Noah serves as the lead curator and captain of the national South African comedy team, while Eugene Khoza holds the position of vice-captain. This national comedy tour aims to bring the energy of a major sporting event to stand-up comedy. The festival will take place on Friday and Saturday, September 25th and 26th, from 18:00 to 23:00 at Grand Arena, GrandWest, 1 Jakes Gerwel Drive, Acacia Park, Cape Town. Ticket prices start from R475.

iol.co.zaAugust 25, 14:43

Taste of Cape Town partners with SABC to promote South African culinary culture nationwide

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has officially become a partner of the Taste of Cape Town festival. This significant collaboration aims to introduce audiences across the country to the atmosphere, sounds, and tastes of this two-day event.

The Taste of Cape Town festival is scheduled for November 28 and 29, 2026, and will take place at the Green Point Cricket Club stadium. It will gather leading chefs, restaurateurs, winemakers, producers, and young culinary talents from South Africa.

Through this partnership, the public broadcaster will cover the festival before, during, and after using its television, radio, and digital platforms, including SABC Plus. This is expected to allow viewers outside Cape Town to experience the festival's atmosphere and learn about the people and businesses shaping South Africa's diverse culinary culture.

For SABC, this partnership goes beyond simply covering a culinary event; it reflects a belief that South Africa's culinary culture deserves a national platform, and that food remains an important means of community bonding.

The country's culinary culture spans a wide spectrum, from shisanyama-style dishes to world-class haute cuisine, with chefs, home cooks, winemakers, producers, and food entrepreneurs contributing to this history. Taste of Cape Town is part of the international Taste Festival portfolio, which includes cities such as London, Paris, São Paulo, and Dubai.

Temba Gvegela, Head of Corporate Affairs and Marketing at SABC, noted that this partnership aligns with the broadcaster's mandate to provide public service. He stated: 'SABC exists to serve all South Africans, and few things unite us like food,' adding that the country's culinary landscape is one of its 'greatest national assets.' He also emphasized the broadcaster's pride in creating a platform that will amplify the stories of chefs, winemakers, home cooks, and food entrepreneurs, making them accessible to audiences nationwide.

Bonke Shipalana, CEO of The Allure Group SA and licensee of the Taste Festival in South Africa, considers this partnership particularly significant due to SABC's long presence in the lives of South Africans. Shipalana clarified that Taste of Cape Town was never intended to be an event only for Cape Town residents, but rather an event capable of connecting people across the entire country. He said: 'With SABC by our side, grandma in Nkokonkwa, a student in Gqeberha, and a family in Gelshoven, everyone will experience the festival together.'

The partnership will also extend the festival's 'Feed Every Sense' campaign to communities outside Cape Town while drawing attention to the chefs, restaurants, and producers behind the event. Taste of Cape Town is positioned as a celebration of food, culture, and identity, and the partnership with SABC provides this celebration with a national audience.